Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro) honored Paddy's, 3900 Smith Street, Union City, as her Senate district's "small business of the year" at a ceremony in Sacramento on June 6, 2011.

Corbett presented the award to Paddy Iyer, a Fremont resident who opened the coffee house in 2003. Iyer, a native of Bombay, India, has made his establishment a center for community activity by hosting art openings, poetry readings, stand-up comedy shows and public affairs events.

"I'm proud to present this award to Paddy Iyer, who has helped revitalize the local community in the Tri-City area," Corbett said. "Paddy's is an important social gathering spot that engages local citizens and exemplifies the great spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and community involvement that is at the heart of California's small businesses."

Paddy's is the first commercial establishment with a certified polling station in Alameda County and the first restaurant in the Tri-City to be certified as a Bay Area Green Business. Iyer received the award at a ceremony at the Sacramento Convention Center.

For more information, visit Senator Corbett's web site at www.sen.ca.gov/corbett. For more information about Paddy's, visit www.PaddysCoffee.com